TN HJR1000

Commemorates March 17, 2026, as Profound Autism Day in Tennessee, in partnership with the Profound Autism Alliance

Recognizes profound autism as a distinct classification for individuals requiring 24/7 lifelong care from an adult caregiver, often with severe intellectual disability or minimal/no language

Cites CDC's April 2023 prevalence study finding that 26.7% of eight-year-old children with autism (1 in 4) have profound autism

Notes that children with profound autism are more likely to be female, from racial/ethnic minority groups, of low socioeconomic status, born preterm or with low birth weight, and have self-injurious behaviors and seizure disorders

Acknowledges that individuals with profound autism are frequently excluded from research and support programs due to their unique needs